METROPOLIS Arch30 Celebrates Austin’s Emerging Architectural Leaders 

The Arch30 program celebrates the rising stars of architecture, recognizing emerging leaders nominated by top firms in cities across the United States. This year’s Austin cohort reflects the next wave of architectural innovation, bringing together participants including Clayton Korte, Cushing Terrell, DLR Group, Forge Craft Architecture + Design, Gensler, HOK, IA Interior Architects, Lake|Flato, Levy Dykema, Mark Odom Studio, a Cline Company, Matt Fajkus Architecture, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA), Perkins Eastman, Perkins&Will, Sixthriver, Steinberg Hart, and Page for a day of connection, education, and industry inspiration. 

Led by METROPOLIS Editor in Chief, Avi Rajagopal, the workshop guided Arch30 honorees through a transformative, hands-on session designed to help emerging architects uncover their purpose, pursue meaningful work, and navigate workplace challenges. The program centered on a reflective Ikigai exercise, a Japanese framework for identifying one’s “reason for being,” through which participants explored their values, passions, and unique strengths to better align their professional paths with their core motivations.  

Connection as a Catalyst for Professional Growth 

A strong sense of community defined the Austin gathering. Attendees highlighted the value of connecting with peers navigating similar career stages and questions of impact. These interactions created a supportive environment for sharing personal experiences, lessons learned, and aspirations for shaping the built environment. The event reinforced that innovation is fueled not only by technology or policy but also by relationships; networks of practitioners committed to learning from one another and advancing the profession together. 

The day concluded with presentations from partners Arktura, Behr Paint Company, Impact Acoustic, Infinity Drain, Tate Access Floors Inc., and Texas Air Systems, and a lively networking session, giving honorees the opportunity to exchange ideas and forge connections that will support their growth as future leaders. By the end of the workshop, Austin’s next generation of architects left energized, inspired, and ready to shape the future of the profession. 

METROPOLIS Arch30 Austin Honorees